As a man age, it’s common that he will experience hormonal changes. This hormonal changes in men have been called many things, such as andropause, male menopause, or hypogonadism. To successfully conquer it’s effects you have to understand signs, symptoms and treatment options for it.
Misconceptions of the term “male menopause”
When people hear or see “male menopause”, they usually associate it with the female conditions for menopause. But it’s radically different. For women, menopause means the end of their ovulation cycle which cause their hormone levels to plunge drastically in a small amount of time. For men, however, the effects are gradual. Hormone levels goes down gradually in a period of years. It’s been said that after you hit the age of 30, your hormone levels steadily goes down. This makes it’s effects – for instance, lower energy level, mood swings, depression, lower libido – to be experienced gradually and may go unnoticed.
That’s why experts in the field use “andropause” to refer to the male aging-related hormonal changes. Other terms that refers to it includes: testosterone deficiency, androgen deficiency of the aging male and late-onset hypogonadism.
Andropause over the years
Research has found out that the testosterone levels in older male is significantly lower than a younger male. Usually when a man is aged 70, his testosterone level is around 50% from his youth. In some others, the decline is more rapid.
In some cases it’s possible that the rapid decline is caused by a multitude of other factors. For instance, if you snore for years, this can be a factor for andropause.
Andropause symptoms – knowing the effects of andropause
For men it’s simple to see the effects of andropause. Lower testosterone levels is known to cause effects spanning from sexual performance, weight gain and mood swings. Try answering the questions honestly. If your answer is yes for three or more questions, chances are you’re currently having “male menopause”.
- Are you experiencing fatigue or loss of energy?
- Do you get the urge to have sex less frequently?
- Do you have difficulty getting or keeping an erection during sex?
- Are you frequently irritated, angry, or in a bad mood?
- Do you feel consistently nervous or anxious?
- Do you have trouble concentrating?
- Do you forget things more than you used to?
- Are you having relationship trouble with your spouse?
- Have you been gaining weight, particularly around your abdomen?
- Do you seem to be losing strength and muscle tone?
- Have you been experiencing joint or muscle pain or aches?
- Are you having difficulty sleeping?
- Has your performance at work decreased?
- Do you suffer from night sweats and hot flashes?
Andropause treatment options and costs
If you suspect that you’re experiencing male menopause, what kind of treatment options that you have?
First of all, you can change your lifestyle. Your diet is important. Go with foods that natural such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid oily food, smoking and excessive alcohol drinking. Of course you have to work out regularly too. Enroll yourself in the nearest gym and follow a healthy program.
There are also hormone replacement therapy – or specifically, testosterone replacement therapy. Results varies for each man. Some are relieved of the annoying andropause symptoms that they have. For others, the benefits are not so clear. The therapy itself may increase the risk of prostate cancer. The cost is also really expensive.
There is also supplements to boost your hormone levels. It’s not as expensive as the testosterone replacement therapy and delivers the same result in a longer set of time. Usually the changes is noticeable after 90 days – 6 months. But as with anything, do not overuse it. The plus side is it’s easier to try. Some supplement manufacturer – such as Provacyl – offers a six month money back guarantee.